Senior NPD Technologist

  • Reed Specialist Recruitment
  • City, Leeds
  • Jan 09, 2026
Full time

Job Description

Location: Leeds

Job Type: Full-time (Fridays WFH!)

Reporting to: New Product Development Manager

Are you a food innovator with a flair for turning ideas into standout products? I am collaborating with a leading manufacturing business, who are seeking an Senior NPD Technologist to join their forward-thinking team driving fresh concepts, smarter solutions, and exceptional food experiences. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment where creativity meets commerciality, this is your next big move.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Own the NPD journey from concept through to launch, shaping products that delight customers and deliver results.
  • Decode retailer briefs to craft commercially viable, operationally practical, and trend-leading product designs.
  • Dive into market insights to spot emerging trends and shape the future of our food portfolio.
  • Create and reformulate recipes to meet flavour expectations, nutritional goals, and cost parameters.
  • Ensure every project is fully documented and aligned with account requirements.
  • Partner with suppliers to source the very best ingredients and support new approvals.
  • Carry out nutritional and micro testing to guarantee safety, compliance, and quality.
  • Write clear, accurate cooking instructions for safe and consistent consumer preparation.
  • Support Technical in maintaining the highest food safety standards.
  • Work cross-functionally to ensure smooth project delivery and impeccable compliance.
  • Mentor junior colleagues and step in for the NPD Manager where needed.

What You'll Bring

  • Solid experience in food product development within a similar environment (ideally 3 years working across NPD projects from concept to launch)
  • Strong grasp of technical requirements and retailer expectations across the food sector.
  • Excellent project management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
  • Proficiency in SAP and systems used for recipe formulation and data management.
  • Clear communicator, collaborator, and problem-solver.
  • Creative thinker with a passion for food, detail, and innovation.

Why You'll Love It Here

  • Lead exciting, high-impact NPD projects.
  • Join a dynamic, supportive environment that values creativity and expertise.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
  • Flexibility that supports a healthy work-life balance.

If this looks of interest, please apply with your CV and I will be in touch!